Artificial Intelligence: New Day New Developments

Artificial intelligence is used in a wide range of capacities in business today and it is already fundamentally changing almost every business activity. In general, AI refers to any sort of computer software that performs humanlike tasks like planning, learning, and problem-solving.

Since AI is increasingly becoming an integral part of businesses, it captures the attention of people globally, including legislators. We see that governments and international organizations engage in regulatory work to draw the legal framework regarding AI. Within this regulatory work, there were two important developments that we would like to highlight in the first month of 2023.

• NIST to release AI Risk Management Framework

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will release the first version of its Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) on 26 January 2023. AI RMF is intended for voluntary use, which means it is not binding. However, it is a crucial document that aims to improve the ability to incorporate trustworthiness considerations into the design, development, use, and evaluation of AI products, services, and systems.

NIST had been developing the framework since July 2021 and had been gathering feedback through workshops and public comment. In this context, Elham Tabassi, NIST’s IT Laboratory Chief of Staff emphasizes the fact that AI RFM maps the AI’s risks to organizations, people and society in general.

Of course, it is inevitable that the technology and standards landscape for AI will continue to evolve. In this regard, Tabassi reports that NIST intends for AI RMF to be updated over time to reflect new knowledge, awareness and practices.

You can reach the official announcement of NIST here.

• ICO addresses concerns on use of AI

In a blog post, U.K. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Deputy Commissioner Stephen Bonner addressed concerns on use of AI. Bonner explains that ICO did not find evidence of discrimination or unlawful usage of AI in its inquiries. However, Bonner further explains that there are concerns around the fairness of these technologies, and compliance with data protection legislation.

In order to respond the concerns, ICO suggests that local authorities and central government should follow and ensure that following steps are taken when using algorithms or AI:

(1) Taking a data protection by design as a default approach and using AI is in compliance with data protection laws,

(2) Being transparent with people about how data is used,

(3) Identifying the potential risks to people’s privacy stemming from using AI.

In addition, Bonner confirms that ICO will continue to work with and support the public sector to ensure that the use of AI is lawful.

You can reach the blog post here.

AI technologies are becoming more and more widespread as they maintain a competitive edge for businesses. However, they also raise legal problems in various areas such as, commercial contracts, products liability, privacy and data security. In this regard, we can say that new regulations will come up on our agenda.

Tagged with: Gökçe, Elif Aksöz, Görkem Gökçe, Yapay Zeka, Technology & Telecoms